• This is really depending on you, your needs, and your circumstances. Typically, I advise that clients in the initial phase of therapy meet weekly to build trust, work to discover the roots of your struggles, and build momentum toward caring for yourself. Twice monthly sessions are typically meant for clients in the maintenance phase of therapy. However, I get that circumstances, like time and finances, are necessary to factor into this determination.

• We will discuss what your needs are during the consultation call and within that discussion, determine how often we will meet. While working together, you determine when to leave or pause therapy. I want you to trust what you need and are receiving from our work together.

• My practice is rooted in providing care that honors your privacy, autonomy, and cultural context—without the limitations and oversight imposed by most insurance companies.

  That’s why I’ve chosen to remain out-of-network for insurance plans. Insurance often requires:

  • Use of AI in order to collect and sell client’s private information in order to train other AI models, or collection of that data for later use by the police.

  • A mental health diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent health record.

  • Restrictions on the length, type, or frequency of care.

  • Access to your therapy notes, which compromises your confidentiality.

• This is why I offer low cost counseling services via sliding scale, or through Open Path Collective for people who do not have health insurance.

• For health insurance plans, I can provide Superbills for clients to submit for reimbursement for out-of-network benefits or clients can check their benefits on Mentaya, a platform designed to make it easier for clients to check their out-of-network benefits and access care with less hassle.

• Use Mentaya to check your OON benefits. If they confirm you are eligible for reimbursement, you can automatically submit claims via their platform with the Superbills I provide to you monthly.

OR

• Contact your health insurance provider to determine what out-of-network benefits are provided for mental health care, as well as their requirements for documentation (e.g. Does a diagnosis need to be provided?), as well as any coverage limitations (e.g. Is there a cap on the number of covered sessions per year?).

• Then, we will work together in session to complete the initial Superbill. Afterwards, you will receive Superbills automatically on a monthly basis. It is the client’s responsibility to submit Superbills to their health insurance plan for reimbursement.

• Online therapy is a great option for many clients. Because a client can meet for a therapy session from the comfort of their home or office, they do not have to worry about scheduling extra time to commute to my office. It also allows me to work with people all over the state of Texas, regardless of proximity to Austin. Because of this, I have clients from Dallas, Houston, and more rural areas of Texas.

• Online therapy is similar to a Zoom call: You receive a link to join the scheduled session on a secured platform, sign in, and wait for me to start the session. You do not need to download any software. You just need a reliable internet connection, a quiet, confidential space for you, and headphones for privacy.

• My schedule is 90% virtual. I have limited office availability on Mondays after 12PM.

I have actually never been asked for records before, but Texas law for LPCs requires we have this information easily accessible on our websites.

Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing.

To obtain your records please follow the steps below:

Submit a written request via email

Email your written request form to: emma@roll-for-insight.com

• Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”

Your therapist will send you an Authorization form to complete for them to release your records to you.

Additional requirements (if applicable):

• Litigation-related records If records are requested for use in litigation, please include:

  • Cause number

  • Case title

  • Court where the case is pending

• Business Records Affidavit

  • If you require a Business Records Affidavit, indicate this in your request

  • Fee: $15

  • Affidavits will not be provided until payment is received

• Records fee

  • Fee for providing records: $25 for electronic records

  • Accepted payment methods: credit cards, or cash.

  • Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid

  Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008

Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies

A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164).

For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances:

1. In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or

2. When the individual (or parent/legal guardian):

   • Is a party to the proceeding

   • Has notice that the PHI has been requested

   • Does not object to the disclosure

   An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement.

Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)

Important Note

If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records:

• A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted

• A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required

I have actually never been asked for this question, but Texas law for LPCs requires we have this information easily accessible on our websites.

You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If we
cannot work things out to your satisfaction, you may file a complaint with our licensing
board:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: 1-800-821-3205
Link to Complaint Form: http://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BHEC-Complaint-Form.pdf.

If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, you may contact the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at: OCRMail@hhs.gov.

If you believe that you have a Consumer Complaint regarding the privacy and security of your health information, you may contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General and file a consumer complaint by clicking this link:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy